Honda Civics, especially the performance Si versions, have always found fans in the Motor Trend offices. The mix of sport-tuned suspension, light curb weight, slick six-speed manual transmission, and a high-revving four-banger has been a welcome alternative to the Civic's comparatively wheezy forced-induction engine competitors. However, what the Civic has always lacked in comparison with its turbocharged peers is a praiseworthy torque figure. For the 2012 model year, Honda has tried -- maybe to the detriment of the Civic's soul -- to rectify the situation with the introduction of the larger, less-willing-to-rev 2.4-liter engine.

To see if Honda bettered its baby, we recently took delivery of a shiny new Si sedan long-termer. Standard equipment for all
Civic Sis are 17x7.0-inch alloy wheels, body-color rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip, LED center brake light, and a ride height 0.4 inch lower than standard, thanks to the sport tuned suspension.

Overall, it's a sharp-looking sedan, especially viewed in profile -- by far, its best angle. A slew of other standard performance options includes larger disc brakes, a sweet-shifting short-throw six-speed transmission, fully independent suspension, and a limited-slip differential to help deliver power equally to the drive wheels.

The interior also gains some improvements over the standard Civic with sporty bolstered front seats and red accent lights for the center console and dual gauge clusters. Inside, the $1500 satellite-linked navigation system adds to the already good 360-watt premium seven-speaker audio setup and streaming Bluetooth with a 6.5-inch touch screen allowing for easy operation of all your in-car media needs, including voice recognition, 10 million points of interest, and overlaid traffic information displayed on the map in participating areas.Honda has tried to improve an already good product. A noble goal: Inject 31 lb-ft of mid-range torque in exchange for a lower redline -- 7000 rpm versus 8000 in the last generation -- to increase the fun factor we've so enjoyed in the past. Has Honda succeeded? We'll see.

Guess its all what you are looking for in a car. Me personally with where the new SI is priced I'm buying a Mazdaspeed 3. There really isn't much of a price difference, you get a car that looks a hell of alot nicer, 62 more hp and 110 ft/tq more, and better interior. My choice is simple here for 1000 dollars more!!!

My test drive of the 2012 Honda Civic Si coupe shows speed, fuel economy plus it looks like the little brother to my Gen7 Accord 6M coupe.The numbers differs by a few tenths of a second to 60 (.4) and the QM (.3)..........Honda set the bar way up there........ think I'll stand with the V-6/6M in my garage.ez

>> Price as tested: $24,675A bit expensive for a car that's handicapped by its 2.4L NA engine. You will not see the dramatic gains in power that a turbo 4 cyl. can achieve with intake, exhaust and an ECU flash. This poor rendition of a Civic Si would have been better priced at $22,675.

The Civic is somewhat of an anomaly among cars in that it hasn't shrunk like so many have...it's gotten a lot bigger...like the Jeep Wrangler. The Civic was a tiny little car that reminded people of a shoe when it first hit the scene in the 70s. Back then, American cars were large. Now, many U.S. cars are about the same size or maybe a little larger...but the Civic has something going for it...decades of evolution that has made it one of the most reliable small cars around.

Looks like this is the only Sedan/Coupe Honda put some thought into. Good overall specs, and price as tested isn't to shabby. I wish Honda would put the same thought into the ILX and new Accord. Just test drove a TL, and the subtle exterior changes made a world of difference. As far as this Si, the GTI is a piece compared to it. My co-worker has an 09 GTI and that thing is always in the shop. Lucky for him, he still has warranty.

I had a 06 si and loved it a great dd with a screaming motor. This new car seems really nice and i understand not going turbo. But the k24 is not a rever due to long stroke. But If honda would just squeze say anothe 5-600 revs and make say 230 hp for low 14s it would be enogh for me to get rid of my evo. this car for the price is like a fwd 3 series a great all around car.

@kego53For me, I owned an 07 Si first and then an 04 GTI, and my complaints are opposite yours. My Si went to the dealer a lot more within the same period of ownership than my GTI.The Si was fun, but the GTI is a much better car. Looks, speed, cockpit, etc.@ 92Vectra1.6i, you must be kidding when you said the Si is quicker than its turbo competitors. Give me a break. Stock, the Si is no match for any of the cars you mentioned. Modified, the gap in performance is even larger. My GTI has showed its tail lights to some pretty expensive and quick cars. No Si, unless heavily modified, would be able to say the same.

As much as I hate the Spacely Sprockets dashboard of current Civics, I'd still recommend this to a friend over the questionable long term prospects of the turbo engine in a GTI,MazdaSpeed3 or the turbo and awd of a WRX!! One more thing, those are respectable acceleration times, and I'd guess a well driven Si will show it's tail lights to plenty of it's turbo competitors on the street (slowing at the posted limit of course)!!

Such a boring looking car...at least my EP3 was one of honda's last cleanly styled cars. If I were in the market for a new Si, I'd buy an FG and save some money while looking better. Of course, I'd buy a used WRX first.

I have a 2007 Si sedan and love it. I had a VW GTI before and it was the absolute most expensive POS to keep up I have ever owned. Therefore VW need not count on my business unless they improve their reliability record. Subarus need not apply here as this is not a "look at me I'm different" establishment. High horse power and multitudiness torque are not prerequisites to happiness and fullfillment unless you own a race track or have access to one. The HONDA fulfills all goals admirably for me, its reliable and sharp looking.

Its really hard to consider this over the competition.If you want the speed the WRX is the same priceIf you want a bit more performance and better MPG the GLI and GTI are at or below that priceBetter than a corrla S I guess

I have about 3500 miles so far on mine (silver too) and the only complaint so far: the tires. This chassis likes to dance (in a good, dynamic way) and can handle far more stickiness: I can't wait to shred these OEM Michelins as soon as possible and trade for Continental Summers and THEN see what this Si can do. Then engine is eager and compared to the 2009 Si is far more pleasant in relaxed driving (fewer shifts). With better shoes it's a keeper.